Sister Rosita Milesi, a Brazilian nun from the Catholic order of the Scalabrini nuns, has dedicated over 40 years of her life to helping refugees and migrants. Her work as a lawyer, social worker, and movement builder has been instrumental in shaping public policy related to refugee rights in Brazil. Milesi, who comes from a humble background as the daughter of poor farmers of Italian descent in southern Brazil, has personally assisted thousands of people in accessing legal documents, shelter, food, healthcare, language training, and the labor market. She is known for her unwavering dedication to her work, often going to great lengths to ensure that those in need receive the assistance they require.
In recognition of her tireless efforts, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will present Sister Rosita Milesi with the annual Nansen Award. This prestigious award honors individuals or organizations who have shown exceptional dedication to assisting refugees and migrants. Milesi’s work has not only directly impacted the lives of countless individuals but has also played a critical role in influencing public policy, such as Brazil’s 1997 refugee law and the 2017 migration law. Her advocacy and mobilization efforts have brought together various groups and lawmakers to promote the rights of refugees and migrants in the country.
Sister Rosita Milesi’s work extends beyond her role as a lawyer and social worker. She also runs the Scalabrini order’s Migration and Human Rights Institute and coordinates RedeMIR, a national network of 60 organizations that support refugees and migrants across Brazil. This network provides a range of services and assistance to those in need, including legal support, language training, and access to healthcare and employment opportunities. Milesi’s dedication to her work and her ability to bring together diverse groups to support refugees has made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals in Brazil.
In addition to Sister Rosita Milesi, the UNHCR has also recognized four regional winners for their outstanding contributions to assisting refugees and migrants. These winners include individuals from Burkina Faso, Syria, Sudan, and Nepal who have each played a vital role in supporting displaced populations in their respective regions. The Nansen Award, named after Norwegian humanitarian and diplomat Fridtjof Nansen, aims to highlight the importance of assisting refugees and migrants and to honor those who have made exceptional efforts in this area. The award winners will be presented with monetary prizes to fund projects that complement their work and further support refugees and migrants in need.
Sister Rosita Milesi’s recognition as the winner of the Nansen Award is a testament to her unwavering dedication and commitment to helping refugees and migrants. Her work has not only provided crucial support to those in need but has also influenced public policy and advocacy efforts in Brazil. By bringing together various groups and organizations to support refugees and migrants, Milesi has made a lasting impact on the lives of individuals across the country. The award ceremony, which will take place in Geneva on October 14, will honor Milesi and the other regional winners for their exceptional contributions to assisting refugees and migrants.
